ABSTRACT
Coagulation is a complex process in which circulating soluble proteins, cellular elements, and tissue-based proteins interface to form an insoluble clot at sites of vascular injury. While this dynamic process represents a teleologically distinct, adaptive response that is critical to survival following localized vessel trauma, clot formation may also be undesirable. For example, tissue perfusion compromising thrombosis within the coronary or cerebrovascular beds is the proximate cause of myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke, respectively. Moreover, common procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention, hemodialysis, blood pheresis, cardiac valve replacement, and extracorporeal circulatory support systems may themselves incite coagulation. Accordingly, pharmacotherapies that attenuate clot formation safely, effectively, and selectively assume a priority for practicing clinicians.
